Meet the Teacher: Maggie Christensen

A: My dad and dance! Dad was a “yogi” back in the day and although he didn’t teach me the “physical” practice, my entire upbringing was based around the mental practice from both of my parents. I started the physical practice on my own after being exposed to it at my local dance studio as a kid and after seeing Dad doing down dog in his office one day, I was around 12 or 13 years old.

Q: What inspired you to start teaching yoga?

A: My mom and dance! I had been teaching ballet at a studio in Lexington, Kentucky and then started teaching yoga to my students over the summer, it eventually turned into a regular weekly class that the kids loved and were benefiting from in so many ways! That is when I started thinking and realizing that this really felt right. Then, my mother passed in April of 2014, this devastating time made me realize that life is too short not to be HAPPY and do what you LOVE and that I wanted to help be a force in helping others find health and happiness. I felt that calling was through yoga.

Q: How do you incorporate yoga off the mat?

Mindfulness, Awareness and Compassion are three words that come to mind when I think of practicing yoga on AND off the mat. I try to be mindful, aware and compassionate in everything I do. The book, “Yamas and Niyamas” by Deborah Adele is a great guide and what I use to help me find ways to incorporate yoga off the mat.

Q: Do you have a favorite famous yogi?

A: YES! Erin Motz, she’s a “youtube yogi” with her own blog and videos: BAD YOGI! I used her videos for years building my home practice before I started practicing in studios. Her mission and purpose have truly inspired me and my mission as a yoga instructor. She believes that yoga is for everyone, “from the kale-loving vegan to the prize-winning deer hunter”, and she is proud to say that she is a “carnivorous, red wine and French cheese-loving type” of yogi! I’ve also had the privilege of writing a few blogs for her site: www.badyogiofficial.com!

Q: What are your hobbies outside of yoga?

A: I love walking the beach with the dog, watching movies, drinking chai tea or blush wine, coloring, reading, learning, spending time with friends, making lists…

Q: What are your other jobs outside of teaching yoga?

A: I am also behind the front desk at Island Wave assisting with the marketing and management of the studio! On the side, I also help with the marketing for two local restaurants in Murrells Inlet!

Q: Other than yoga, what do you do to decompress?

A: Pretty much everything in my hobby list helps me decompress. But especially walking the beach with the dog helps me come back to my center when I start feeling flustered.

Q: What is your favorite food/snack?

A: Skinny Pop Popcorn and Dark Chocolate

Q: What is your favorite TV Show/Movie?

A: “Big Fish” – If you haven’t seen it, watch it NOW!

Q: What do you love MOST about teaching yoga?

A: I love being a positive part of someone’s day and helping create a community of people who care about their health and happiness.

2 Comments

Cate
on May 13, 2016 at 7:26 am

Maggie’s class was the first class I had attended in 16 years. Her warmth and sincerity shine through her work and I look forward to attending more often and growing in my practice thanks to such a great experience with her. Thanks Maggie!!! ☺